Coco Khan is a postpartum writer and co-host of the podcast Pod Save the UK. She most recently shone a light on a growing epidemic of women killers that keep getting drowned out by flashier headlines. In her latest article, she highlights the disconnect between prominent events, such as Liz Truss’s infamous debate with a lettuce, and the ongoing struggles many women face daily.
The piece beautifully illustrates how society often vilifies pregnant people through sensationalist media. It certainly highlights the need to tackle more systemic problems that tend to fly under the radar. Khan points out that the glamour surrounding figures like Demi Moore, who famously posed nude while pregnant in 1991, can create unrealistic expectations for many women.
Khan challenges readers to ponder these valuable issues by sending in responses to The Guardian’s open letters section. She invites essays of no more than 300 words. Please be sure to include your name, email address, and phone number along with your comments. Correspondence of any length can be addressed to guidelines@theguardian.com. Readers can send brief comments by email to guardian.letters@theguardian.com.
“Finally! A pregnant woman I can relate to.” – Coco Khan
It’s no wonder that what Khan had to say struck a chord with those of us who feel spurned by the conventional wisdom. That said, the issues she raises are indeed very important. Their efforts shine a light on a critical national discussion about representation and advocating for women—particularly vulnerable populations like pregnant women and postpartum women.